Public works, health get lion’s share of 2026 budget

THE City Engineer’s Office and City Health Office are getting the lion’s share of the city’s proposed P6.6-billion budget for 2026, while the Environment, Tourism, and Agriculture offices will be among the least funded next year.

According to the General Fund by Office section of the proposed 2026 budget, the City Engineer’s Office leads with P1.02 billion, or about 15.5% of total spending — reflecting the city’s continued focus on road construction, drainage improvement, and flood-control projects.

Next is the City Health Office, which received P885.4 million (approximately 13.4%), earmarked for hospital operations, public health programs, and disease prevention efforts.

The City Social Welfare and Development Department (CSWD) follows closely with P712.6 million (10.8%), maintaining pandemic recovery and social protection initiatives for children, seniors, and vulnerable communities.

The City Mayor’s Office and City General Services Office round out the top five, with P498.3 million (7.5%) and P420.2 million (6.3%), respectively — covering executive operations, community assistance, and city maintenance.

“Our goal is to make the budget work for people’s everyday needs — infrastructure, health, and social protection remain our anchors. We are investing where impact is most immediate,” said City Mayor Rolando Uy in a statement attached to the budget document.

At the lower end of the list, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Clenro) received P67.5 million, while the City Agriculture Office was allotted P54.2 million, together accounting for barely 1.8% of the total budget.

The Tourism Office got P39.8 million, followed by the City Sports Development Office with P32.6 million, and the City Cultural Affairs Office at P28.4 million.

Budget Officer Percy G. Salazar certified that the figures are “true and correct” and that projected receipts are reasonably collectible within 2026.

City planning officials said the spending plan aligns with the administration’s “Build, Heal, and Protect” agenda, prioritizing core services but calling for efficiency among offices with smaller funds.

“Every peso must count. We are committed to transparent governance and measurable results,” the mayor added.

The P6.6-billion budget now awaits deliberation and approval by the city council.